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AMERICANNewsline

16 NOVEMBER 03, 2023

Diwali Celebrated at Minnesota State Capitol

with Governor and Lieutenant Governor

OUR BUREAU
St Paulo, Minnesota

ctober 18th marked a historic
moment for Indian Ameri-
Ocans across the State of Min-
nesota as the leadership from the
community celebrated Diwali at the
state capitol in Saint Paul, Minneso-
ta with Governor Tim Walz and Lt.
Governor Peggy Flannigan.
The celebration began with
the recitation of the Shanti Mantra
from the Vedas chanted by Vishal
Agarwal. The prayer for peace to
encompass every corner of the uni-
verse was translated in English by Sa-
rang Tantry, a senior at the Wayzata
High School who along with several
high schoolers attended the event.
Amongst others, guests included
leaders from the Hindu Society of
Minnesota, S.V Temple, BAPS, IAM,
and the Sikh and Jain Community.
Eminent leaders from the Business,
Arts and Music, and Community
Outreach sections of the community
were also part of the celebration.
Lauding the contributions made MN Governor Tim Walz and Lt Governor lighting the traditional Deya with Vallabha Tantry AIA - Minnesota Event Chair and Gopal Khanna,
by some 40,000 plus Indian Ameri- former AIA - National Vice President at the first ever Diwali Celebration
cans who live in Minnesota, Gover-
nor Tim Walz said, “This first ever
Diwali celebration is a testament to various fields, including science, ed- being part of the first-ever Diwali at York City in 1987, and it has become
the rich cultural heritage and contri- ucation, medicine, law, politics, busi- the State Capitol. She emphasized a mega celebration with fireworks
butions of the community to the state ness, technology, culture, and sports. the importance of cultural diversity and cultural activities, a must go to
of Minnesota in all walks of life.” In This proclamation signifies the cul- and the harmony that arises from annual event in the New York tristate
his heartfelt remarks welcoming tural richness and diversity that In- celebrating various traditions. area.” He added, “AIA led the es-
the community leaders, Governor dian American community brings to Upon receiving GANESH tablishment of Diwali at The White
Walz emphasized the importance Minnesota. Murthi presented to the governor as House, a tradition that was started
of embracing diversity and the role Governor Walz was joined by a special gift, he said “This gift will by President George W. Bush in 2003,
that the community plays in making Lieutenant Governor Flanagan to have a permanent placement in the and that tradition has continued for
Minnesota great. The Governor also light the traditional Deya along with governor’s mansion as a memento the last twenty years by Presidents
stressed the significance of religious Vallabha Tantry and Gopal Khanna. for the first Diwali celebration.” The Obama, Trump and Biden.”
freedom and the responsibility to en- Tantry and Khanna representing the Lt. Governor was presented with “The historic Diwali celebra-
sure that everyone feels seen, heard, Association of Indians in America The Bhagwat Gita by Shri Chin- tion at the Minnesota State Capitol
and welcomed. Governor Walz is- (AIA) in Minnesota worked with mayanand. serves as a reminder of the values
sued a special Proclamation declar- the governor’s office and Council of Gopal Khanna, former New of unity, cultural appreciation, and
ing October as The Hindu Heritage Asian Pacific Minnesotans in bring- York Chapter President and former religious freedom that make Minne-
Month. The proclamation acknowl- ing Diwali to the State Capitol. National Vice President of the Asso- sota a welcoming and inclusive state,”
edges the millions of Hindus, Sikhs, The celebration continued with ciation of Indians in America (AIA) said Vallabha Tantry, coordinator of
Jains, and Buddhist followers living a speech by Lieutenant Governor talked about AIA’s work in further- the event. “Lessons learned from
in the United States and the vibrant Peggy Flanagan and other distin- ing its motto - “Indian Heritage and AIA’s work on establishing Diwali
Indian community in Minnesota. It guished representatives. Flanagan, American Commitment.” He said, in New York and The White House
highlights the immense contribu- herself the first Native American Lt. “AIA started the Diwali celebration helped us in planning what we could
tions made by Indian Americans in Governor of the state appreciated at the South Street Seaport in New Continued on next page... >>

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